IMPROVED IMMEDIATE FUNCTION OF RENAL ALLOGRAFTS WITH BELZER PERFUSATE1 Pressented at the 6th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Transplant Physicians, May 1987, Chicago, IL

The charatersistics of 254 cadaveric kidndys were evaluated and the incidence of immediate function identified. The Belzer perfusate was used primarily (n=140) and secondarily (n=14) in conbination with pulsatile machine perfusion. These two groups were compared with a previous group of kindneys machine-perfused with silica gel (cryoprecipitated human plasma). The incidence of immediate function of the group primarily perfused with Belzer perfusate was statistically significantly improved over that of the silica gel. The secondarily perfused Belzer group, “imported” kidneys previously preserved with simple cold storage, had notably longer periods of preservation adn higher resitances on the machine. However, 100% of this group functioned immeidately. Other dindings in this study show that the Belzer perfusate allows for improved parenchymal function posttransplant, as noted by a more rapid clearance of serum creatinine posttransplant. When comkkparing the immediate function group with those suffereing early dysfunction, there is a statistically significant increased resistance on the machine in the latter group. This allows for prediction of immediate function based on perfusion characteristics of the kidney.The Belzer perfusate, comosed of metabolic substrates for high-energy phosphate production, improves the incidence of immediate function in machine-perfused kidneys, as well as improved qualitative function posttransplant. It also is effective as a “rescue” mechaniosm in previously simple cold-stored (ATP-depleted) kidneys.